A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulouse vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Toulouse or New Orleans?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and New Orleans can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Toulouse and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although Toulouse and New Orleans are about the same size, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Toulouse is more popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

The French Quarter

How is Toulouse different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New Orleans and Toulouse. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Toulouse or New Orleans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Toulouse and New Orleans offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

New Orleans is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Toulouse is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Both Toulouse and New Orleans have great historic old towns worth visiting.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for Families?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly destination. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Toulouse makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for Students?

For students, both Toulouse and New Orleans are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulouse is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Toulouse has some public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Toulouse or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Toulouse is very walkable. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toulouse and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toulouse than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than New Orleans. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toulouse, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Toulouse than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toulouse that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulouse than New Orleans if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toulouse.

One day in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Toulouse. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or New Orleans?

The friendly city of Toulouse offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulouse and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Toulouse is in Europe and New Orleans is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans than you might in Toulouse.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Toulouse Expensive? and Is New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and New Orleans, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Toulouse or New Orleans?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Toulouse or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and New Orleans. The summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the summer, Toulouse is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulouse in July average around 22°C (72°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulouse or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as New Orleans. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Toulouse is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 15°C (60°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the autumn, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in October than New Orleans. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Toulouse is much colder than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Toulouse usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulouse or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Toulouse during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Toulouse is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulouse in April average around 12°C (54°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulouse usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Toulouse